Enhanced bingo game method, apparatus, and computer program product

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus, and computer program process for playing an enhanced bingo game. A first set of indicators may be selected, with each of the first set of indicators associated with a win enhancement value, or bonus value, and at least one of the first indicators can be assigned to at least one column of a bingo card. A second set of indicators can also be selected, with each of the second set of indicators associated with bonus value, and at least one of the second indicators can be assigned to at least one row on the bingo card. At least one number from the set of numbers associated with each column of the bingo card can be designated as a diamond symbol number. A player winning a bingo game by matching a column or row of called numbers may be eligible for the bonus prize associated with the column or row if the column or row contains a predetermined number of diamond symbol numbers. Indicator and diamond symbol assignments may happen after game play begins, to enhance the overall excitement associated with the game.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/060,871, entitled “Enhanced Bingo Game Method, Apparatus,and Computer Program Product”, filed Jan. 29, 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application isalso related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/244,039, entitled“Method and Apparatus for Remote Game Device with Failure Fallback andRestoration”, filed Sep. 13, 2002, and to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/244,098, entitled “Method and Apparatus for RF Transmitter Layoutin a Gaming Hall”, filed Sep. 13, 2002, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of gaming, and morespecifically provides an enhancement to the game of bingo by includingan additional level of entertainment and complexity to the existinggame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] States face ever-increasing costs just to maintain essentialservices, but residents are typically unwilling to pay higher taxes tofund these services. Some states have begun to recognize gaming as apotential revenue source which can help generate funds for the state,thereby offsetting the need for increased taxes. For example, moststates now sponsor lotteries or the like, the proceeds of whichtypically go toward educational or other programs. In addition, more andmore states are legalizing, albeit under heavy regulation, certain othertypes of gaming, such as slot machines.

[0004] One of the first games which is typically legalized by states,especially for non-profit fundraising activities, is bingo. Bingo is agame that has been widely played for generations. As described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,857,911 to Fioretti (“Fioretti”), the teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety, a traditional bingogame is played by a game operator, or “ball caller”, selecting at randomfrom a set of seventy-five numbered balls stored in a hopper. In atraditional game, the numbers are divided into five subsets, with thenumbers 1 through 15 associated with the letter “B”, the numbers 16through 30 associated with the letter “I”, the numbers 31 through 45associated with the letter “N”, the numbers 46 through 60 associatedwith the letter “G”, and the numbers 61 through 75 associated with theletter “O”. As the ball caller selects a ball, he or she typically callsout the number on the ball and the letter associated with the numbers.Each player then reviews his or her bingo card or cards to determinewhether his or her bingo card has a corresponding entry.

[0005] Bingo cards typically consist of a matrix of six rows and fivecolumns of spaces, with the top row of spaces filled with the letters“B”, “I”, “N”, “G”, and “O”, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Theremaining five-by-five matrix of spaces on the bingo card is filled withnumbers chosen at random from the subset of numbers associated with theletter appearing at the top of the column in which a space appears.Thus, for example, all spaces in the “B” column are filled with numberschosen randomly from the subset of numbers between 1 and 15, and thespaces in the “G” column are filled with numbers chosen randomly fromthe subset of numbers between 46 and 60.

[0006] As the ball caller calls out the number on a selected ball,players mark the called number with a dauber, marker, or other indicatorif the number appears on the bingo cards being played that game. If theindicators on a bingo card form one or more pre-specified pattern, theplayer to whom the card belongs, or to whom the card has been assigned,wins a prize. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,645 to Yoseloff(“Yoseloff”), the teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety, the shapes may include an “X”, a plus, a“T”, a horizontal line, a vertical line, or other alternative shapes.When the marks on a player's scorecard match a pre-specified pattern,the player has a “bingo” and can win the pot for that game, a prizeassociated with a specific shape, or the like.

[0007] Although typically associated with fundraisers for churches andother non-profit groups, bingo has become so popular that casinos havebegun to offer bingo to their patrons. This has spurred the developmentof a variety of technological advancements and alternative bingo games,from the bingo-like slot machines taught by Yoseloff, above, and by U.S.Pat. No. 5,935,002 to Falciglia, the teachings of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety, to televised and Internet-basedbingo games, such as those taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,396 to Tawil,U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,984 to Roseman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,892 to Frank etal., U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,325 to Fisk, U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,038 to Graveset al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,941 to Miller et al., the teachings ofeach of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0008] As bingo becomes more popular, casinos and others offering thegame are searching for new variations on the game in an attempt toattract and maintain more customers. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,482,289 to Weingardt (referred to herein as the Weingardt '289reference), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety, teaches expanding a bingo card from a traditionalfive-by-five matrix to a seven-by-seven matrix, with the added columnsand rows shaded in an alternate color. The Weingardt '289 referenceteaches that players can win a base prize by obtaining a five numberbingo within the traditional five-by-five region, and that players canalso win a larger prize by obtaining a seven number bingo. A sevennumber bingo falling completely within the added columns or rows iseligible for an even larger prize. The Weingardt '289 reference alsoteaches separately and distinctly marking some of the bingo balls todifferentiate those bingo balls from other bingo balls. The Weingardt'289 reference discloses that such designations must be made prior toinitiating the game. The Weingardt '289 reference further disclosesvarying the payouts made to a player depending on whether the playerachieves a bingo made from randomly marked balls, or if the bingo ismade from balls with a specific marking. The Weingardt '289 referencealso discloses a bingo game with a progressive jackpot. In this aspectof the reference, a separate wager is made for the player to becomeeligible to win the progressive jackpot prize, which is awarded to theplayer who achieves the winning combination for the progressive jackpot.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,786 to Weingardt (referred to herein as theWeingardt '786 reference), the teachings of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety, teaches randomly selecting apredetermined group of bingo numbers, located on a conventional bingoflash board, to be “blue” numbers, “green” numbers, and “red” numbers,with the remaining numbers being “yellow” numbers. When a playerachieves a bingo, the player wins certain preestablished payoutsdepending upon whether the player has a bingo consisting of numbers thatare all the same color, or if the player's bingo consists of all but onenumber of the same color.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,091 to Weingardt (referred to herein as theWeingardt '091 reference), the teachings of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety, teaches assigning the bingonumbers located on a conventional bingo flash board to at least fivegroups, with the groups identified by color. The size of each of thegroups varies, with the result that a bingo consisting of a combinationof numbers from the smallest group will be harder to achieve than abingo consisting of a combination of numbers from a larger group. Aplayer achieving a bingo of a single color group is paid a jackpot,wherein the jackpot sizes vary in relation to the difficulty ofachieving a particular bingo. Players are awarded varying amountsdepending on whether the bingo occurs with numbers assigned to a singlecolor or multiple colors and, if a single color, the color of the bingo.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,119 to Leake (referred to herein as the Leake'119 reference), the teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety, teaches a bingo-like game in which colorsor other elements are randomly assigned to each space on a card,although the Leake '119 reference teaches that colors should not repeatwithin a given column. Unlike traditional bingo, the set of numbersassignable to a given column is not limited, and numbers can be repeatedacross columns (although the Leake '119 reference teaches that numbersshould be unique within a column). Thus, the letter designation at thetop of a column becomes significant in the game taught in the Leake '119game, as the column would be otherwise indistinguishable. According tothe Leake '119 reference, a caller uses a random selection apparatus torandomly select and call a column, a color, and a number to be marked orcovered within the spaces on a player's card face.

[0012] Although the references discussed above offer variants ontraditional bingo games, none offer the unique, easily understood, andexciting playing characteristics of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus,method, and computer program process for playing an enhanced bingo gamethat substantially obviates one or more of the limitations ordisadvantages of the related art.

[0014] It is an object of an embodiment of the present invention toprovide a novel bingo game having an improved level of excitement andattraction such that the game is more appealing and can better attractplayers.

[0015] It is a further object of an embodiment of the present inventionto provide a bingo game which functions to present improved visualappeal.

[0016] It is still a further object of an embodiment of the presentinvention to add an overlay, or secondary game, to a traditional bingogame.

[0017] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is toprovide an overlay game that can be played independent of traditionalbingo, without requiring changes to the traditional bingo rules, suchthat bingo players who are comfortable with, or have no desire to playanything but, traditional bingo can still participate in a game.

[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realizedand attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides anoverlay game, or secondary game, which can be played along with or inaddition to traditional bingo. In one embodiment, a player mustconcurrently win both a traditional bingo game and the overlay game tocollect winnings. In an alternative embodiment, the games may be playedseparately, such that a player may win the overlay game without causingthe underlying bingo game to halt.

[0020] The overlay game of the present invention includes the definitionof a set of colors, and the association of a win-enhancement value, orbonus, with each color. The win enhancement values are preferably fixedor progressive prize values, although it should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that alternative prizes, including automobiles,vacations, jackpot multipliers, or the like, can be substituted thereforwithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. The setof colors preferably includes at least four colors, although it shouldbe apparent to one skilled in the art that an alternative number ofcolors can be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit orthe scope of the invention. The colors and associated win-enhancementvalues are preferably made known to players prior to initiation of anindividual game, thereby increasing the sense of excitement associatedwith a game.

[0021] Game play preferably begins with the selection of a set ofnumbers to be included in the game (e.g. 1-75), and the division of thisset into a plurality of subsets, as with traditional bingo. At least onenumber in each subset of numbers (e.g. 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, etc.) is thenpreferably randomly associated with a “diamond symbol” or otheridentifier. Although the term diamond symbol number is used herein torefer to the numbers within each subset which have been associated witha “diamond symbol”, the term should not be construed as limiting theidentifier associated with a number to a specific identifier type.Although diamond symbol numbers preferably vary from game to game, itshould be apparent to one skilled in the art that diamond symbol numberscan remain the same through a plurality of games, an entire session, aplurality of sessions, or the like.

[0022] Bingo cards are preferably distributed to players as withtraditional Bingo, and game play can begin. Although a preferredembodiment of the present invention is directed to use with electronicbingo cards, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art thattraditional paper cards can be substituted therefor without departingfrom the spirit or the scope of the invention.

[0023] Game play traditionally begins with the drawing of a number fromthe set of numbers included in the game. Once a first number is drawn,each column of the bingo card is then preferably assigned a color fromthe set of colors. In a preferred embodiment, implemented using afive-by-five playing matrix bingo card, a player who wins a game byobtaining a bingo consisting of five matching numbers in a given column,wherein one of the numbers in the column is the “diamond symbol” numberfor that subset of numbers, is awarded not only the prize associatedwith a traditional bingo, but also the prize associated with the colorof the column and the corresponding win enhancement value.

[0024] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention requiresthat the player have a column bingo with at least one diamond symbolnumber in the column for the player to be awarded the win enhancementvalue, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that such arequirement is not necessary. By way of example, without intending tolimit the present invention, in an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, not all columns may be assigned a color, thereby altering theodds that a player will win the win enhancement value.

[0025] In addition to assigning win enhancement values to bingo cardcolumns, and thus to bingos won within the columns, a preferredembodiment of the overlay game also assigns win enhancement values tobingo card rows. In such an embodiment, column colors are assigned asdescribed above, and graphic symbols, such as, but not limited to, gemstones, sea shells, or the like, are preferably assigned to each row,wherein each row graphic preferably has an associated win enhancementvalue. As with column bingos, a player who wins a traditional bingo bymatching all five numbers in a given bingo card row is also eligible forthe win enhancement value associated with that row. In a preferredembodiment, to win the win enhancement value, the row must contain atleast three “diamond symbol” numbers, although one skilled in the artwill appreciate that the requisite number of “diamond symbol” numbersmay be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of theinvention. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, not all rows may be assigned a graphic symbol, therebyaltering the odds that a player will win the win enhancement value.

[0026] Although the preferred embodiment of the present inventiondescribed herein associates specific indicators with specific aspects ofthe game, such as the colors associated with columns, graphicsassociated with rows, and diamond symbols associated with numbers withinnumber subsets, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art thatalternative indicators, including, but not limited to, graphics based onthe time of year (e.g. Christmas trees, wreathes, snow men, hearts, bowsand arrows, cherubs, or the like), graphics based on the location (e.g.palm trees, sea shells, sun glasses, suntan lotion bottles, skis, skiboots, ski poles, or the like), graphics consistent with a given theme(e.g. gem stones, gold coins and treasure chests, Asian languagecharacters, Greek language characters, player photographs, celebrityphotographs, or the like), crosshatching or other shading, and audio orvideo clips, may be substituted therefor without departing from thespirit or the scope of the invention.

[0027] While the description above focuses primarily on column and rowbingos, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention is readily adaptable to any winning bingo pattern. By way ofexample, without limiting the present invention, a plurality of winningbingo patterns may be defined. An overlay can then be created byassigning a win enhancement value to each of the plurality of bingopatterns, preferably along with a minimum number of “diamond symbol”numbers necessary to activate payment of the win enhancement value.Still further, players may elect to participate in, and may win, theoverlay game of the present invention separately from the underlyingbingo game. By way of example, without intending to limit the presentinvention, a first set of patterns necessary to win the underlying bingogame may be defined, and a second set of patterns associated with theoverlay game may be defined. The patterns in the pattern sets may bemutually exclusive, or there may be patterns in common within thepattern sets. In such an embodiment, players may win the overlay gamewithout causing the underlying bingo game to be halted.

[0028] As described above, one object of the present invention is toenhance the suspense associated with playing bingo, and a preferredembodiment of the present invention achieves such heightened suspense bywaiting until a game begins to determine and/or disclose to players the“diamond symbol” numbers and the indicators to rows, columns, and/orother winning patterns.

[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of theinvention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide afurther understanding of the invention and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0031] In the drawings:

[0032]FIG. 1 is an illustration of a traditional bingo card asimplemented in the prior art.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a preferred game playsequence.

[0034]FIG. 3 illustrates a sample electronic bingo card which can beused in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 4 is a diagram of a hopper used to display numbers which havebeen randomly drawn in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0036]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an apparatus used in a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components comprising a preferredapparatus according to the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 7 is a sample game information screen, as implemented in apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the presentinvention utilizing a computer network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodimentsof the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The present invention in its preferred embodimentis essentially an overlay, or secondary game that can be played inaddition to, or as an enhancement to, a traditional bingo game.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a game play sequence accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The game playsequence is preferably implemented using one or more electronic playingcards similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3, although it should beapparent to one skilled in the art that traditional playing cards can besubstituted therefor, or used in combination therewith, withoutdeparting from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Furthermore,although the electronic playing card of FIG. 3 uses a traditionalfive-by-five matrix of numbered spaces, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the number of rows and/or columns implemented ona playing card can be varied without departing from the spirit or thescope of the invention. Still further, although a preferred embodimentof the present invention utilizes a standard seventy-five ball hopper,it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the total number ofballs, and the number of balls within each subset of numbers, can bevaried without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.In such alternative embodiments, the payout associated with a win may beadjusted based on the corresponding changes in the odds of such a win.

[0042] As FIG. 2 illustrates, game play preferably begins with thedistribution of one or more bingo cards to persons interested inparticipating in the game (Block 205). Such bingo cards are preferablydistributed in a secure manner or otherwise associated with a givenbingo game or set of bingo games, such that the ball caller or otherofficial is aware of those cards intended for use with a given bingogame. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention in whichelectronic bingo cards are implemented, a random number generator may beused to generate the numbers appearing on the electronic bingo cards asthe cards are distributed, at the beginning of a game, or the like.

[0043] At a given time, the ball caller preferably allows a computerapparatus to draw the first ball (Block 210). Although the embodimentdescribed herein utilizes a computerized ball drawing apparatus whichpreferably emulates a traditional bingo ball hopper, it should beapparent to one skilled in the art that alternative ball drawing meansmay be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit or thescope of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the first ball isdrawn, but the number appearing on the first ball is not called to theplayers until column, row, or any other indicators appropriate to thecurrent game have been determined. In an alternative embodiment, playersmay be notified of the number on the ball prior to such determinations.

[0044] As illustrated by block 215 of FIG. 2, game play preferablyproceeds with the association of colors with bingo card columns. Columncolors are preferably selected from a set of four colors, although itshould be apparent to one skilled in the art that the number of colorsin the set can be varied without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the invention. Each color preferably has a pre-defined winenhancement value associated with it. Column color selection preferablybegins by selecting a color for the “N”, or middle, column. The “N”column is typically chosen first because, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the“N” column typically contains a “free” space, which impacts the odds ofwinning in the “N” column. Thus, a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention avoids associating a high win enhancement value with the “N”column, and the set of colors from which the “N” column color is chosenis therefore limited compared to the total set of available colors.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, once the“N” column color has been assigned, other column colors may be assigned.In a preferred embodiment, the color associated with the “N” column isremoved from the set of available column colors prior to assigningcolumn colors to the other columns. A preferred embodiment of thepresent invention assures that three of the five columns are assignedthe same column color, with that color preferably associated with aminimum win enhancement value. The remaining columns are then preferablyassigned colors at random from the remaining set of colors. A preferredembodiment of the present invention only allows the color associatedwith the minimum win enhancement value to be assigned to multiplecolumns; the remaining colors are assigned to no more than one column.Although the column color selection method outlined above is presentlypreferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that thenumber of columns to which colors are assigned, the number of colors,the number of win enhancement values, and other such parameters can bevaried without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the set of colors and associatedwin enhancement values for the “N” column may be separate from the setof colors that can be associated with the other columns. In such anembodiment, it may be possible to assign a color to a column as thefirst ball corresponding to the column is called, thereby furtherenhancing the suspense created by the present invention.

[0047] As illustrated by Block 220 of FIG. 2, game play preferably alsoincludes assigning at least one graphic to at least one row. Rowgraphics are preferably selected from a set of four graphics, althoughit should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the number ofgraphics in the set can be varied without departing from the spirit orthe scope of the invention. Each graphic preferably has a pre-definedwin enhancement value associated with it. Row graphic selectionpreferably begins by selecting a graphic for middle row. The middle rowis typically chosen first because, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the middlerow typically contains a “free” space, which impacts the odds of winningin the middle row. Thus, it may be advantageous to avoid associating ahigh win enhancement value with the middle row, and the set of graphicsfrom which the middle row graphic is chosen is therefore preferablylimited. Once the middle row graphic has been assigned, other rowgraphics may be assigned.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, three of the remaining four rows areassigned a specific graphic, with which a minimum win enhancement valueis associated. The remaining row is preferably assigned an alternativegraphic. A preferred embodiment of the present invention only allows thegraphic associated with the minimum win enhancement value to be assignedto multiple rows; the remaining graphics are assigned to no more thanone row. Although the row graphic selection method outlined above ispresently preferred, it should be apparent to one skilled in the artthat the number of rows to which graphics are assigned, the number ofgraphics, the number of win enhancement values, and other suchparameters can be varied without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the invention. In an alternative embodiment, the set of graphics forthe middle row may be separate from the set of graphics that can beassociated with the other rows.

[0049] Although it is preferable to assign a color to the middle columnbefore assigning other column colors, and to assign a graphic to themiddle row before assigning other row colors, it should be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention can be implementedwithout such a restriction. By way of example, without intending tolimit the present invention, the use of a bingo card without a freespace may obviate the need for such special color assignment techniqueswithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.

[0050] As illustrated by block 225 of FIG. 2, game play also preferablyincludes assigning a symbol, referred to herein as a “diamond symbol”,to one number in each of the subsets of numbers. The term “diamondsymbol” is used herein for clarity and should not be interpreted aslimiting the present invention to gem-based graphics or specificindicator types; it should be apparent to one skilled in the art thatany indicator can be used without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a number from each subsetof numbers (i.e. 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, and 61-75) is selected atrandom, and a diamond symbol is associated with each number. As will bedescribed below, diamond symbols are preferably used as win valueenhancement activators. While a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention uses a single diamond symbol and assigns the symbol to asingle number in each subset, an alternative embodiment utilizesmultiple diamond symbols, with the different diamond symbols furtheraugmenting the win enhancement value. In another alternative embodiment,multiple numbers within each number subset may be assigned diamondsymbols.

[0051] Although FIG. 2 illustrates blocks 215, 220, and 225 as occurringsequentially, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that theorder can be varied, and that the steps may occur effectivelysimultaneously, without departing from the spirit or the scope of theinvention.

[0052] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, once columncolors, row graphics, and diamond symbols are assigned and preferablyoverlaid on the player's bingo card, game play proceeds in a mannersimilar to that of traditional bingo (Block 230). As described above,column colors, row graphics, and diamond symbols are preferably used aswin value enhancements. In such a preferred embodiment, if a player winsa bingo game by getting a column bingo (i.e. all of the numbers in aspecific column of the player's bingo card have been called), and if thecolumn bingo includes at least one number with which a diamond symbolhas been associated, then the player's win is enhanced by the valueassociated with the color assigned to the column in which the bingooccurred (Block 235). If the winning column bingo does not include atleast one diamond symbol, then the player may win the standard columnbingo pot, if such a pot is available. In this way, the diamond symbolsact as win enhancement activators.

[0053] Row bingos are preferably handled similar to column bingos. In apreferred embodiment, if a player wins a bingo game by getting a rowbingo (i.e. all of the numbers in a specific row of the player's bingocard have been called), and if the row bingo includes at least threenumbers with which a diamond symbol has been associated, then theplayer's win is enhanced by the value associated with the graphicassigned to the row in which the bingo occurred (Block 240). If thewinning row bingo does not include at least three diamond symbols, thenthe player may win the standard row bingo pot, if such a pot isavailable.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, a player's win mayalso be enhanced if the bingo contains one or more diamond symbolnumbers,. Alternatively, the win enhancement value may be adjusted basedon the number of diamond symbol numbers in the bingo (Block 245).

[0055] It is statistically possible for a player to win multiple bingosfrom the same set of ball calls. A preferred embodiment of the presentinvention pays the winner based only on the highest payout available.

[0056] Although the description provided above defines win enhancementvalues for only column and row bingos, it should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the present invention can be readily adapted towork with any pre-defined bingo patterns. By way of example, withoutlimiting the present invention, a bingo made from what is commonlyreferred to as a “six pack” configuration, wherein the bingo contains atleast three diamond symbols, may win the highest win enhancement valueassociated with the columns or rows in which the “six pack” occurs.

[0057] Still further, although it is presently preferred that there be acorrelation between winning bingo patterns and patterns necessary to winthe overlay game of the present invention, it should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that the overlay game can be played separately fromthe underlying bingo game. By way of example, without intending to limitthe present invention, players may pay an additional fee to participatein the overlay game, and the odds of winning the overlay game may begreater or less than the odds of winning the underlying bingo game,thereby increasing player interest in both the bingo game and theoverlay game and enhancing the excitement associated with both games.

[0058] Although diamond symbols are described above as activating a winenhancement value when a specific number of diamond symbols are includedin a bingo, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that thenumber of diamond symbols required to activate a win enhancement valuemay be varied without departing from the spirit or the scope of theinvention. By way of example, without limiting the present invention, aminimum number of diamond symbols may be required to activate the winenhancement value, with additional diamond symbols further enhancing thewin value.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the present invention can utilizeprogressive values as a basis for the win enhancement value associatedwith row and column bingos, or other bingo configurations, that includea minimum number of diamond symbols. In a preferred embodiment, winenhancement values associated with column bingos containing at least onediamond symbol are progressive values which are hall-specific, and winenhancement values associated with row bingos containing at least threediamond symbols are progressive values which span a plurality of halls.

[0060] There are numerous ways for a player to win the enhanced game ofbingo according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Byway of example, without limiting the present invention, a prize may beawarded for a bingo win in a single column, or there may be a largerprize for multiple column bingo wins.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, colors, graphics, or other winvalue enhancement indicators may be associated with specific spaces onthe bingo card, with any bingos containing such indicators being awardedthe win value enhancement associated therewith.

[0062]FIG. 4 illustrates a sample called-ball hopper 400 as used in anembodiment of the present invention. Called-ball hopper 400 can be aconventional bingo ball hopper, a virtual hopper that generates anddisplays called balls, or the like. Called-ball hopper 400 preferablydisplays the numbers with which diamond symbols have been associated, asindicated by numbers 410, to simplify player game play.

[0063] An alternative column color assignment method can be describedusing the ball hopper illustrated in FIG. 4. If the first numbered balldrawn is the “1” ball, the ball is placed in the “B” column of thehopper, and a color is randomly selected for the “B” column. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 4, the color pink is randomly selected froma set of colors and associated with the subset of numbers associatedwith the letter “B,” and thus with the entire “B” column. The backgroundbehind the “B” at the top of the hopper, as indicated by region 405, ispreferably colored pink to indicate the column color. The backgroundcolor behind the other letters is also preferably changed to reflect thecolumn color as each color is assigned.

[0064] Continuing with the example illustrated in FIG. 4, if the nextball drawn is 65, this number would fall into the “O” column. Since nocolor has yet been associated with the “O” column, the color green maybe randomly selected from the remaining group of colors and assigned tothe entire “O” column. The example illustrated in FIG. 4 continues withthe drawing of the 2 ball. Since the 2 ball is associated with the “B”column, and since the “B” column is already associated with the colorpink, no additional color selection is necessary, and play continues. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 4, the 16 ball is the next ball drawn,which falls into the “I” column. The color blue may be randomly selectedfrom the group of remaining colors and associated with the “I” column.If the 35 ball is the next ball drawn, this ball falls into the “N”column. Since no color has been associated with the “N” column, thecolor orange may be selected from the remaining colors and associatedwith the “N” column. The next ball drawn is 620, thus falling into the“G” column. Since no color has been associated with the “G” column inthis game, the color red can be randomly selected from the remainingcolors and associated with the “G” column. At this point in the game,all five columns have been associated with a color, and play canpreferably continue as in a conventional bingo game, with no furthercolor selection.

[0065] A basic form of the enhanced game of bingo according to anembodiment of the present invention can be played as a conventional,paper-based system, using physical indicators which are overlaid on apaper bingo card while a live caller draws numbered balls from arotating cage. Column colors, row symbols, and diamond symbol numbersmay also be displayed in one or more centralized displays, such as, butnot limited to, displays similar to traditional Bingo boards, and videomonitors. In still another embodiment, column colors, row symbols,and/or diamond symbol numbers may be selected in advance of theinitiation of a game, thereby permitting custom Bingo cards to beprinted with the appropriate identifiers contained thereon.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5, bingo cards can also be displayed on avideo monitor display, handheld electronic display device, or othersuitable apparatus. Examples of suitable handheld display devicesinclude, but are not limited to, the TED™, TED²C™, Diamond Elite™,Diamond Pro™, and D. Handheld™ apparatuses manufactured by GameTechInternational, Inc. of Reno, Nev.; the apparatus described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/244,039 by Keeton et al.; the iPaq™family of handheld computers manufactured by Hewlett Packard Company ofPalo Alto, Calif.; the Palm family of handheld computers manufactured byPalm, Inc. of Milpitas, Calif.; and the like.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, bingo cardsare preferably implemented as part of an electronic system that allowsplayers to play large numbers of cards simultaneously using anelectronic card tending device, such as currently used in bingo parlorsthat have gaming licenses. In such a preferred electronic embodiment,players can use card tending devices 500-1 through 500-n, where nrepresents the number of card tending devices available to players. Asrow, column, diamond symbol, or other indicators are selected, cardtending device 500 can display such indicators to players. In thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 5, row and column indicators are displayedas part of electronic bingo cards 300 of FIG. 3. Each electronic bingocard also preferably has a unique identification number that allows abingo win to be verified by caller 510. Card tending devices 500 arepreferably in communication with caller 510 to facilitate suchverification. By way of example, without intending to limit the presentinvention, card tending devices 500 may utilize the radio frequency (RF)transmitter layout described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/244,098, by Keeton et al., the teachings of which are incorporatedherein in their entirety, to facilitate communication with caller 510.

[0068] In one embodiment, caller 510 may be an electronic system thatgenerates random numbers that are used in place of the marked ballstypically used in conventional bingo games. Random number generation asused in this embodiment is generally known to those skilled in the artand refers to a computer generating a value from a seed in a manner thatis preferably unpredictable either by a player or persons operatingbingo hall 520. Caller 510 also randomly selects indicators from afinite set of indicators and selected indicators to card tending devices500.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment, number generation can be handleddifferently, such as by using a ball blower and hopper configuration, asused in conventional bingo games, with a person drawing the numberedballs and entering the values into caller 510. Communication unit 530can also be in communication with caller 510, and can be used to linkbingo hall 520 with other bingo halls to share games and prize amountswith additional players. Communication unit 530 links bingo hall 520with other bingo halls by connecting to remote communication units overa telephone line or other suitable communication medium.

[0070] Display 540 is also preferably in communication with caller 510,and can display various information to players on a large display screensuch as a video monitor. In progressive games using the enhanced bingogame of the present invention, the prize amounts are updated based onwin and payout data calculated by caller 510. Prize amounts can becalculated and displayed on display 540 either by using real timecalculations based on current revenues for bingo hall 520 for the day orby using a special technique wherein revenues from a previous period,such as sales of bingo cards for the entire day prior to the currentbingo session, are used as the basis for calculating the prize amount.Still further, the prize amount may be gradually incremented over aperiod of time less than that of the time period over which the revenueswere collected, thereby adding a sense of excitement to the prize. Byway of example, without intending to limit the present invention, ifrevenues for the day prior to the current two hour Bingo session totaled$100,000, the displayed prize may gradually increase to the $100,000level over the course of the Bingo session, rather than over an entireday. The accelerated pace at which prize amounts increase in such anembodiment can introduce a heightened sense of excitement among players.In an alternative embodiment, the revenue figures from the correspondingBingo session from the prior day may be used as the basis for thecurrent day's prize, without any acceleration.

[0071] An example of a screen which may be displayed by display 540 areillustrated in FIG. 7. The prizes shown in FIG. 7 correspond to anenhanced bingo game being played using bingo cards such as thoseillustrated in FIG. 3. Grand prize 700, having a larger jackpot amount,is typically the most difficult to win. Prizes 705 through 730 can havevarious amounts, although prizes 705 through 715 are preferably higherbecause of the combination of indicators. By contrast, prize 730 isrelatively low because of the color associated with the column.

[0072]FIG. 6 illustrates various components included in a computersystem 600 that may be used to implement caller 510 and communicationunit 530. Computer system 600 preferably includes at least a processor605 and memory 610. Processor 605 may contain one or moremicroprocessors or similar devices. Among its many functions, memory 610can store instructions and data for execution by processor 605. If theembodiment of the present invention is wholly or partially implementedin software, including a computer program, memory 610 may also storeexecutable code when in operation. Memory 610 may include banks ofdynamic random access memory (DRAM), high speed cache memory, and readonly memory (ROM). System 600 preferably also includes a mass storagedevice 615, peripheral device(s) 620, portable storage medium drive(s)625, input device(s) 630, a graphics subsystem 635 and a display 640.

[0073] For simplicity, the components illustrated in FIG. 6 are depictedas being connected via a single bus 655. However, as will be apparent toone skilled in the art, the components may be connected through one ormore data transport means without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the invention. By way of example, without intending to limit thepresent invention, processor 605 and memory 610 may be connected via alocal microprocessor bus, while mass storage device 615, peripheraldevice(s) 620, portable storage medium drive(s) 625, and graphicssubsystem 635 may be connected via one or more input/output (I/O) buses.Mass storage device 615, which is typically implemented with a magneticdisk drive or an optical disk drive, is preferably a non-volatilestorage device for storing data and instructions for use by processor605.

[0074] In another embodiment, mass storage device 615 can also store acomputer program implementing a means for automating an enhanced bingogame such that the computer program can be readily loaded into memory610. Portable storage medium drive 625 preferably operates inconjunction with a portable non-volatile storage medium, such as afloppy disk or other computer readable medium, to input and output dataand code to and from computer system 600. In one embodiment, the presentinvention may be stored on such portable medium, and can be input tocomputer system 600 via portable storage medium drive 625. Peripheraldevice(s) 620 may include any type of computer support device, such as,but not limited to, an input/output (I/O) interface, to add additionalfunctionality to the computer system 600. For example, peripheraldevice(s) 620 may include a network interface card for interfacingcomputer system 600 to a network, a modem, and the like. Input device(s)630 provide a portion of a user interface. Input device(s) 630 mayinclude an alphanumeric keypad for inputting alphanumeric and other keyinformation, or a pointing device, such as a mouse, a trackball, stylusor cursor direction keys.

[0075] To display textual and graphical information, computer system 600preferably includes graphics subsystem 635 and display 640. Display 640may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, liquid crystal display(LCD), other suitable display devices. Graphics subsystem 635 canreceive textual and graphical information and processes the informationfor output to display 640. Additionally, computer system 600 can includeoutput devices 655. Examples of suitable output devices include, but arenot limited to, speakers, printers, and the like. Communications device650 may control the flow of data between computer system 600 and acommunication network via communication line 660.

[0076] The components illustrated in computer system 600 are thosetypically found in general purpose computer systems, and are intended torepresent a broad category of such computer components that are wellknown in the art. The computer system of FIG. 7 illustrates anarchitecture that may be used as a practical basis for implementingembodiments of the present invention. As should be apparent to oneskilled in the art, other architectures, such as, but not limited to,those using Macintosh-based computers available from Apple Computer,Inc.; architectures using different bus configurations, networkedplatforms, multiprocessor platforms, other personal computers,workstations, mainframes, navigation systems, and the like; and computersystems utilizing any of a variety of operating systems, including, butnot limited to, UNIX, Linux®, Microsoft Windows XP®, and Macintosh OS10®, may be substituted therefor without departing from the spirit orthe scope of the invention. Alternative embodiments of computer system600 can further include utilizing alternative display means in lieu of amonitor, including, without limitation, a CRT display, an LCD display, aprojection display, or the like.

[0077] While the present invention has been described above in terms ofan electronic embodiment wherein players use card tending devices toconnect to a local caller, and bingo halls may be linked via telephoneor other telecommunications lines, the present invention can also beimplemented in a client-server computer architecture, as illustrated inFIG. 8. In such an architecture, players connect to a gaming enterprisethat operates a caller 510 on server 800 and communicates with playersover communication network 805. Communications network 805 can include,but is not limited to, wireless and wireless communications means, suchas those used to connect to the global computer network known as theInternet. In such an embodiment, players can maintain electronic bingocards and communicate with caller 510 through clients 810-1 through810-n. In such an embodiment, a computer system similar to computersystem 600 may be used to implement server 800 and/or clients 810.

[0078] While the invention has been described in detail and withreference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of enhancing the play of a game ofbingo, comprising: designating a set of potential numbers for the game;designating a plurality of subsets of the potential numbers for thegame; associating each of the plurality of subsets with a bingo cardcolumn; providing at least one bingo card to at least one player, the atleast one bingo card including a plurality of spaces, the spaces beingarranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spacescontains either a number from the subset of numbers associated with thecolumn in which the space appears or a free space designator;designating at least one pattern of spaces as determinative of a winnerof the game; providing at least a first set of indicators; associatingeach of the first set of indicators with a win enhancement value;electing whether the first set of indicators should be associated withcolumns or rows on the at least one bingo card; associating at least oneof the first set of indicators to at least one of the elected at onecolumns or rows; repeating the process of selecting numbers at randomfrom the set of potential numbers for the game until the game ends;paying the at least one player if the at least one player has a bingocard with numbers matching those selected from the set of potentialnumbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches theat least one pattern designated as a winning pattern; and, paying the atleast one player the win enhancement value if the at least one playerhas a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from the set ofpotential numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbersmatches the at least one pattern designated as a winning pattern.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: selecting at least one number atrandom from each of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator;and paying the at least one player the win enhancement value only if thepattern formed by the matching numbers contains at least one winenhancement activator number.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a second set of indicators; associating each ofthe second set of indicators with a win enhancement value; andassociating at least one of the second set of indicators to the other ofcolumns or rows.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: selectingat least one number at random from each of the subsets to serve as a winenhancement activator; and paying the at least one player the winenhancement value only if the pattern formed by the matching numberscontains at least one win enhancement activator number.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first set of indicators includes colors.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first set of indicators includesgraphics.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern of spacesincludes a pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the pattern includes a vertical column of spaces onthe bingo card.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the pattern includes ahorizontal row of spaces on the bingo card.
 10. The method of claim 7,wherein the pattern includes a diagonal pattern of contiguous spaces onthe bingo card.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the pattern of spacesincludes noncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
 12. The method of claim1, wherein the random numbers are generated by selecting a ball having anumber printed on it from a plurality of balls.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein the at least one bingo card is maintained and displayedelectronically by a card tending device.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the number associated with the randomly selected ball ismanually entered into the card tending device by the player.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the at least one bingo card is marked by theplayer interacting with the card tending device.
 16. The method of claim1, wherein the at least one bingo card is maintained and displayedelectronically by a card tending device.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the random numbers are generated by a computing device andcommunicated to the card tending device.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the win enhancement value is a progressive prize.
 19. The methodof claim 18, wherein the progressive prize is incremented at anaccelerated rate.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the progressiveprize is incremented to reflect live updating of the prize amount. 21.The method of claim 18, wherein the progressive prize is based onearnings from the prior day.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein each ofthe columns or rows is assigned a unique indicator.
 23. The method ofclaim 1, wherein at least three of the columns or rows to which the atleast one indicator is assigned contain the same indicators.
 24. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the column closest to the middle of thematrix is assigned a unique indicator.
 25. The method of claim 1,wherein the row closest to the middle of the matrix is assigned a uniqueindicator.
 26. A method of displaying a progressive cash prize during agaming session to a player comprising: calculating a progressive prizeamount from a previous gaming session; showing on a display anunincremented prize amount; and, incrementing the prize shown on thedisplay at an accelerated rate until the displayed amount is at leastequal to the progressive prize amount.
 27. A method of playing a game ofbingo comprising: designating a set of potential numbers for the game;designating a plurality of subsets of the potential numbers for thegame; associating each of the plurality of subsets with at least onebingo card column; providing at least one bingo card to at least oneplayer, the bingo card including a plurality of spaces, the spaces beingarranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spacescontains either a number from the subset of numbers associated with thecolumn in which the space appears or a free space indicator; selectingat least one number at random from each of the subsets of the potentialnumbers for the game as a diamond symbol number; designating at leastone first pattern of spaces on a bingo card as determinative of a winnerof the game, wherein the pattern includes at least a column of spaces onthe bingo card; providing at least a first set of colors; associatingeach of the first set of colors with a win enhancement value;associating at least one of the first set of colors to at least onecolumn; repeating the process of selecting numbers at random from theset of potential numbers for the game until the game ends; paying the atleast one player if the at least one player has a bingo card withnumbers matching those selected from the set of potential numbers, andif the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches the at least onefirst pattern designated as a winning pattern; and, paying a first bonusto the at least one player if the at least one player has a bingo cardwith numbers matching those selected from the set of potential numbersand if the pattern formed by the matching numbers matches the at leastone first pattern designated as a winning pattern, wherein the value ofthe first bonus equals the win enhancement value associated with thecolor associated with the column in which the win occurs.
 28. The methodof claim 27, further comprising: selecting at least one number at randomfrom each of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator; andpaying the at least one player the first bonus only if the patternformed by the matching numbers contains at least one win enhancementactivator number.
 29. The method of claim 27, further comprising:designating at least one second pattern of spaces on a bingo card asdeterminative of a winner of the game, wherein the second patternincludes at least a row of spaces on the bingo card; providing a set ofgraphics; associating each of the set of graphics with a win enhancementvalue; associating at least one of the set of graphics to rows on thebingo card; and paying a second bonus to the at least one player if theat least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching thoseselected from the set of potential numbers, and if the pattern formed bythe matching numbers matches the at least one second pattern designatedas a winning pattern, wherein the second bonus equals the winenhancement value associated with the graphic associated with the row inwhich the win occurs.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:selecting at least one number at random from each of the subsets toserve as a win enhancement activator; and paying the at least one playerthe second bonus only if the pattern formed by the matching numberscontains at least one win enhancement activator number.
 31. The methodof claim 29, further comprising: selecting at least one number at randomfrom each of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator; payingthe at least one player the first bonus only if the pattern formed bythe matching numbers contains at least one win enhancement activatornumber; and paying the at least one player the second bonus only if thepattern formed by the matching numbers contains at least one winenhancement activator number.
 32. The method of claim 27, wherein thefirst pattern of spaces includes a pattern of contiguous spaces on thebingo card.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the first patternincludes a column of spaces on the bingo card.
 34. The method of claim29, wherein the second pattern includes a pattern of contiguous spaceson the bingo board.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the secondpattern further includes a horizontal row of spaces on the bingo board.36. The method of claim 29, wherein the first pattern or the secondpattern includes a diagonal pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingocard.
 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the first pattern includesnoncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
 38. The method of claim 27,wherein the random numbers are generated by selecting a ball having anumber printed on it from a plurality of balls.
 39. The method of claim38, wherein the bingo card is maintained and displayed electronically bya card tending device.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the numberassociated with the randomly selected ball is manually entered into thecard tending device by the player.
 41. The method of claim 39, whereinthe at least one bingo card is marked by the player interacting with thecard tending device.
 42. The method of claim 27, wherein the at leastone bingo card is maintained and displayed electronically by a cardtending device.
 43. The method of claim 29, wherein the random numbersare generated by a computing device and communicated to the card tendingdevice.
 44. The method of claim 27, wherein the win enhancement value isa progressive prize.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the progressiveprize is incremented at an accelerated rate.
 46. The method of claim 44,wherein the progressive prize is incremented to reflect live updating ofthe prize amount.
 47. The method of claim 27, wherein each of thecolumns is assigned a unique color.
 48. The method of claim 27, whereinat least three of the columns are assigned the same color.
 49. Themethod of claim 27, wherein at least the column closest to the middle ofthe matrix is assigned a unique color.
 50. The method of claim 29,wherein each of the rows is assigned a unique graphic.
 51. The method ofclaim 29, wherein at least three of the rows are assigned the samegraphic.
 52. The method of claim 29, wherein at least the row closest tothe middle of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
 53. A computerprogram product containing instructions which, when executed by acomputer, performs the steps of: designating a set of potential numbersfor the game; designating a plurality of subsets of the potentialnumbers for the game; associating each of the plurality of subsets witha bingo card column; providing at least one bingo card to at least oneplayer, the at least one bingo card including a plurality of spaces, thespaces being arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each ofthe spaces contains either a number from the subset of numbersassociated with the column in which the space appears or a free spacedesignator; designating at least one pattern of spaces as determinativeof a winner of the game; providing at least a first set of indicators;associating each of the first set of indicators with a win enhancementvalue; electing whether the first set of indicators should be associatedwith columns or rows on the at least one bingo card; associating atleast one of the first set of indicators to at least one of the electedat one columns or rows; repeating the process of selecting numbers atrandom from the set of potential numbers for the game until the gameends; paying the at least one player if the at least one player has abingo card with numbers matching those selected from the set ofpotential numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbersmatches the pattern designated as a winning pattern; and, paying the atleast one player the win enhancement value if the at least one playerhas a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from the set ofpotential numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matching numbersmatches the pattern designated as a winning pattern.
 54. The method ofclaim 53, further comprising: selecting at least one number at randomfrom each of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator; andpaying the at least one player the win enhancement value only if thepattern formed by the matching numbers contains at least one winenhancement activator number.
 55. A method of playing a bingo game,comprising: designating a set of potential numbers for the game;designating a plurality of subsets of the potential numbers for thegame; associating each of the plurality of subsets with at least onebingo card column; providing at least one bingo card to at least oneplayer, the bingo card including a plurality of spaces, the spaces beingarranged in a matrix of rows and columns, wherein each of the spacescontains either a number from the subset of numbers associated with thecolumn in which the space appears or a free space indicator; selectingat least one number at random from each of the subsets of the potentialnumbers for the game as a diamond symbol number; designating at leastone first pattern of spaces on a bingo card as determinative of a winnerof the game, wherein the pattern includes at least a column of spaces onthe bingo card; providing at least a first set of colors; associatingeach of the first set of colors with a win enhancement value;associating at least one of the first set of colors to at least onecolumn; designating at least one second pattern of spaces on a bingocard as determinative of a winner of the game, wherein the secondpattern includes at least a row of spaces on the bingo card; providing aset of graphics; associating each of the set of graphics with a winenhancement value; associating at least one of the set of graphics torows on the bingo card; and selecting at least one number at random fromeach of the subsets to serve as a win enhancement activator; repeatingthe process of selecting numbers at random from the set of potentialnumbers for the game until the game ends; paying the at least one playerif the at least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching thoseselected from the set of potential numbers, and if the pattern formed bythe matching numbers matches the at least one first pattern designatedas a winning pattern; paying a first bonus to the at least one player ifthe at least one player has a bingo card with numbers matching thoseselected from the set of potential numbers, if the pattern formed by thematching numbers matches the at least one first pattern designated as awinning pattern, and if the pattern formed by the matching numberscontains at least one win enhancement activator number, wherein thevalue of the first bonus equals the win enhancement value associatedwith the color associated with the column in which the win occurs; andpaying a second bonus to the at least one player if the at least oneplayer has a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from theset of potential numbers, if the pattern formed by the matching numbersmatches the at least one second pattern designated as a winning pattern,and if the pattern formed by the matching numbers contains at least onewin enhancement activator number, wherein the value of the second bonusequals the win enhancement value associated with the graphic associatedwith the row in which the win occurs.
 56. Apparatus for playing anenhanced game of bingo, comprising: a random number generator thatselects numbers at random from within a set of numbers associated with abingo game, the set of numbers also corresponding to at least one bingocard having a plurality of numbered spaces arranged in a matrix of rowsand columns, wherein the set of numbers is comprised of a plurality ofsubsets of numbers and each of the subsets is assigned to a column orrow; at least a first set of indicators; at least one configuration ofat least one pattern of at least one numbered space on the bingo card,the configuration determining a winner of the game; and, a selectionmeans for determining the winner, wherein the selection meansiteratively generates a random number using the random number generator,matches the number to its corresponding numbered space, if present, onthe bingo card, and if the column or row with which the random number isassociated is not matched to an indicator, selects an indicator atrandom and matches it to the column or row with which the random numberis associated, and then generates additional numbers and matches them tocorresponding numeric spaces on the bingo card until the game has ended.57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein each column or row is assigned aunique indicator.
 58. An overlay to a bingo game, comprising:designating at least one pattern of spaces on a bingo card asdeterminative of a winner of the game; providing a first set ofindicators; associating each of the first set of indicators with a winenhancement value; electing whether the first set of indicators shouldbe associated with bingo card columns or bingo card rows; associating atleast one of the first set of indicators with at least one of theelected columns or rows on the bingo card; repeating the process ofselecting numbers at random from the set of numbers associated with thebingo game and advising at least one player of the selected numbersuntil the game ends; paying the at least one player if the at least oneplayer has a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from theset of potential numbers, and if the pattern formed by the matchingnumbers matches the pattern designated as a winning pattern; and, payingthe at least one player the win enhancement value if the at least oneplayer has a bingo card with numbers matching those selected from theset of potential numbers, if the pattern formed by the matching numbersmatches the pattern designated as a winning pattern, and if the patternformed by the matching numbers contains at least one win enhancementactivator number.
 59. The method of claim 58, further comprising:providing a second set of indicators; associating each of the second setof indicators with a win enhancement value; and associating at least oneof the second set of indicators to the other of columns or rows.
 60. Themethod of claim 58, wherein the first set of indicators includes colors.61. The method of claim 58, wherein the first set of indicators includesgraphical images.
 62. The method of claim 58, wherein the pattern ofspaces includes a pattern of contiguous spaces on the bingo card. 63.The method of claim 62, wherein the pattern of spaces includes avertical column of spaces on the bingo card.
 64. The method of claim 62,wherein the pattern of spaces includes a horizontal row of numberedspaces.
 65. The method of claim 62, wherein the pattern of spacesincludes a diagonal pattern of contiguous numbered spaces on the bingocard.
 66. The method of claim 58, wherein the pattern of spaces includesnoncontiguous spaces on the bingo card.
 67. The method of claim 58,wherein the random numbers are generated by selecting a ball having anumber printed on it from a plurality of balls.
 68. The method of claim67, wherein the bingo card is maintained and displayed electronically bya card tending device.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the numberassociated with the randomly selected ball is manually entered into thecard tending device by the player.
 70. The method of claim 68, whereinthe bingo card is marked by the player interacting with the card tendingdevice.
 71. The method of claim 58, wherein the bingo card is maintainedand displayed electronically by a card tending device.
 72. The method ofclaim 71, wherein the random numbers are generated by a computing deviceand communicated to the card tending device.
 73. The method of claim 58,wherein the win enhancement value is a progressive prize.
 74. The methodof claim 73, wherein the progressive prize is incremented at anaccelerated rate.
 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the progressiveprize is incremented to reflect live updating of the prize amount. 76.The method of claim 58, wherein each of the columns or rows to which theat least one first indicator is assigned contains a unique indicator.77. The method of claim 58, wherein at least three of the columns orrows to which the at least one first indicator are assigned contain thesame indicators.
 78. The method of claim 58, wherein the column closestto the middle of the matrix is assigned a unique indicator.
 79. Themethod of claim 58, wherein the row closest to the middle of the matrixis assigned a unique indicator.